The Lockheed Martin defense company probably will sell Israel four combat ships worth $1.9, the American Defense Department told Congress. "It is vital to the United States's national interest to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability,'' the U.S. Defense Department said in a statement.
The fast-maneuvering ships can be used near shorelines for mine clearance. Lockheed received a contract from Israel in 2006 to study how to modify its hull for Israeli Navy use, a Lockheed Martin spokeswoman said.